MSN Program of Study

NU 510 Applied Theories for Advancing Quality Care

Concepts, theories, and principles from nursing and related disciplines are examined. Interrelationships among nursing theory, research, and practice are emphasized. Theories are applied to nursing practice, education, and administration. (3 credits)

NU 520 Role Development for Advanced Leadership

This course prepares the student to lead interdisciplinary teams. Organizational structure, complexity science, and systems analysis, group role theory, communication, conflict resolution, and change process will be emphasized. (3 credits)

NU 540 Quality Improvement & Informatics Applications

The focus of this course is to prepare the student to identify, collect, process, and manage data and information to support programs that are relevant to nursing practice in selected environments. Major emphasis is on the design of measurable outcomes as well as critique of tools and systems to establish, evaluate, and promote best practices. (2 credits)

NU570 Research, Foundations for Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on the principles and methods of quantitative and qualitative research as applied to nursing and the ethical implications inherent in conducting research. The steps of the research process are critically examined. Skills and competencies in informatics, research design, and statistical analysis are enhanced. A research proposal is developed. The vital role of research in evidence-based practice, quality management, and outcomes evaluation is explored. The foundation for an EBP project is established. Prerequisite: graduate level statistics and NU 510. (3 credits)

NU 582 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, & Pharmacology

This course is an integrated examination of common and important pathophysiology relevant to practice because of their prevalence and impact on the health care system and health of the nation. The student will examine associated pharmacological treatments and the social and environmental impacts of the pathologies. The role of pharmacogenomics will be explored in the prevention/treatment of pathologies. This course provides the student with the opportunity to increase knowledge and expertise in the acquisition of advanced clinical skills in assessing and maintaining the health of individuals across the life span. The course will incorporate assessments that include social structures, family history, and environmental situations. (3 credits)

NU 595 Graduate Tools for Success (1 credit)

NU685 Graduate Scholarly Synthesis Project

This scholarly project provides students with the opportunity to complete a culminating, synthesis component of their graduate education. This project requires students to present evidence of critical thinking, the ability to integrate information, to demonstrate an understanding of research processes, and finally the dissemination of information. Prerequisite: Graduate Statistics & Analysis and NU 570 Research, Foundation for Evidence-Based Practice. IP (in progress) will be assigned at the end of the semester if the project is incomplete. A pass/fail grade is assigned at project completion. (2 credits)

NU 610 Theories, Principles & Methods of Education

This course provides an overview of educational theory, methods, and strategies for classroom, clinical, and online instruction. Theories, principles, and methods that provide the basis for effectiveness in the nurse educator role will be examined along with the influence of student diversity on the teaching and learning process. Ethical and legal issues inherent in classroom and clinical teaching are explored. (3 credits)

NU 620 Program Assessment & Outcomes Measurement

This course focuses on teaching environments outside the traditional classroom. A strong emphasis on outcomes measurement and program assessment is integrated throughout the course. Prerequisite: NU 610. (3 credits)

NU 630 Education Practicum

This educational practicum provides students an opportunity to apply core concepts to an educational setting.  The student is mentored by an experienced teacher to develop expertise in the nurse educator role in a setting that is an area of interest. Students will develop and implement teaching strategies in the didactic and clinical setting that contribute to safe clinical practice. Settings include academic nursing programs, secondary and tertiary health care agencies, and community-based primary care organizations. Prerequisites: NU 610 and 620. (3 credits)

NU 650 Fundamentals of Organizational Management

In this course, the student will analyze organizational dynamics and complex operational and regulatory factors that must be aligned to ensure the highest quality care and the greatest efficiency and cost effectiveness. The influences of an organization’s leadership will be examined as it relates to successful organizational performance. (3 credits)

NU 660 Health Care Financing & Economics

In this course, the focus is to understand accounting principles so that students can interpret financial statements. Students will learn to compare industry benchmarks with the financial strength of an organization. Trends that drive health care finance, contract negotiations, and reimbursement are explored. Connections between the role of the strategic and financial plans are examined. Prerequisite: NU 650. (3 credits)

NU 670 Nurse Administration Practicum

In the nurse administration practicum students apply core concepts of professional advocacy, assertiveness, and leadership to a health care setting. The student is precepted by a nurse administrator in an area of interest. Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to safety, quality improvement, and systems thinking are an integral part of the experience. The nurse administrator practicum includes 90 clock hours of on-site experience. Prerequisites: NU 650 and NU 660. (3 credits)